New restaurant specializing in chicken meals

LIMA — Local businessman Dave Evans and restaurant owner John Downer have opened The Hen Shack, a new restaurant focused on rotisserie chicken, hand-breaded chicken tenders and wings.

The business, in the shopping plaza at the corner of Cole Street and Robb Avenue, held its grand opening Thursday.

The meal includes fresh hot and cold side dishes, French fries and daily specials, Downer said.

“The food is fresh, never frozen,” Downer said. “We made it our own and put it all under one roof. Our quality, quantity and friendliness paired with competitive pricing will not be matched.”

Downer had run a restaurant in a space in Ada owned by Evans, who also owns the plaza at Cole Street and Robb Avenue. When the space became available, Evans approached Downer about creating the restaurant and specializing in chicken meals.

The business employs 10 people. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The Hen Shack is available for dine-in, take-out and also includes a drive through window allowing you to call ahead and pick up your order on the go. The phone number is 567-712-6787 and fax number is 567-712-6658.

Downer said families will find the menu beneficial.

“You know, you’re heading home from practice. You call ahead and order a whole chicken meal, come right to the drive through, get the whole meal and go,”Downer said. “I have a daughter and I know how tough that can be — figuring out dinner, getting in and out of the car.”

Downer expects to expand the menu in the spring to include customer interests and requests and new ideas.